Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  I love the car - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Robert streelman - July 12 - 4:02 am

  I love the car and he gets great gas mileage

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  JB the Exlporer - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Jason Basaj - July 11 - 11:26 pm

  The Explorer has been great smooth ride. But yet its still rugged; the 4x4 is awesome here in Michigan. It has come in handy

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  Ford home run - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By was - July 11 - 10:36 pm

  I enjoy driving this auto; it is very stylish and performs very well. It gets excellent fuel economy and has a roomy well designed interior.

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  Best fun to drive SUV - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Alan Kornweiss - July 11 - 9:03 pm

  This is the first SUV Ive ever owned and Im very glad that I bought this one. Its fun to drive and the gas mileage is terrific,which is why I purchased it. I drive about 80 miles a day back and forth to work and the realibility has been great. I change the oil about every 8,000 miles and use synthetic oil as the factory reeommends. It has proven to be a great vehicle for me. I did a lot of research before purchasing this vehicle and when I read that it has Toyota technology that made my decision even easier. My last car was a Toyota Camry and it was the best car I had ever owned. If you want a fun to drive SUV I recommend this one. Great!

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  Disappointment to acceptance - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Tony DOnofrio - July 11 - 4:16 pm

  Ive owned by Ford Escape Hybrid since Oct of 2004 - the first ever sold by my dealership. Gas mileage was VERY disappointing in my first year: Average 21 mpg city but 28 mpg highway. Live in a hilly town & every hill, the gas has to kick in; plus almost every pothole caused my foot to slip & kick-in the gas motor, etc. Also, colder weather requires MUCH longer "warm-up" time (5 to 10 minutes more) in the morning before the electric motor will ever kick in. Have learned tricks to up mileage, i.e, run AC or heat on minimum to avoid using gas (defroster always requires gas) ,coasting down hills, etc. Still only getting 24 mpg city & 29 highway. Better than my last car but not nearly what was promised.

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  Rides Like an SUV - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By MattP - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I had read some previous reviews on the site, and I feel they are somewhat inacurate. This car is not a Grand Cherokee or an Expedition, as reflected by its selling price. This is a 2 door SUV with a strong engine, extremely capable transmission, and the ride of a SUV. I dont think Ford ever designed this car to ride like a sedan. Having had mine for seven months now, I am very pleased with its performance.

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  Quality Build - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Hillary Wu - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Consumer Reports review is biased. I had test-drives of all compatible Japanese SUVs, before I bought the Explorer. Highlander is only a Camery pretending to be an SUV. Pathfinders leg room for the rear seats is too small. Explore costs less but offers better package, more power, more cargo space, and better performance in Explorer. Explorer is comfortable on the road. For more than year, no mechanical problems have ever happened. As for the gas mileage, at least its no worse than the Japanese SUVs. On the highway, it can reach about 22 miles a gallon, sometimes even with air conditioning on. The average gas mileage is 18.

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  A nice BIG family vehile - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By jtcornett - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Expedition instead of the Explorer is head room and size. The Explorer does not have adequate headroom for this 64" dad. I found decent deal on a used 03, but it has the 4.6 liter V8. I test drove the 5.4 liter and couldnt tell a big difference in power, however the 5.4 was new and not broken it yet. Otherwise, I really enjoy driving this vehicle. To me it doesnt feel as big and heavy as it really is. I took some pretty swift turns in a parking lot and it really hangs in there with bit of over-steer. The confident feel of the vehicle is what sold me in the first place...plus its HUGE. I like that.

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  Ford Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Chris & Abby - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. No issues save a couple transparent recalls. Handles very well, fun to drive. The car is very comfportable with and amazing amount of interior for its size. The stock sound system is. So far wer have a little over 60,000 trouble free miles.

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  good and bad - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Ed Anderson - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car in 2000 april.I first was impressed by the inside room, me being a big guy. It was also quick and handled nicely. Even through the recalls and minor problems, I was very happy with this car, until I started having rotor and brake trouble. The first failure was at 18000 miles and again (now) at 26000 miles. I have to admit I have been looking for a little bigger auto, But not a ford.